Project Architect / Architect IV - PreK-12
About The Position
HED is seeking an experienced Project Architect IV to join its growing PreK–12 Education practice in San Diego. This senior-level architectural professional leads medium- to large-scale projects from planning and design through construction and closeout, managing project documentation, consultant coordination, regulatory compliance, and construction-phase support. The role requires a record of delivering technically sound California PreK–12 educational facilities and a strong understanding of Division of the State Architect (DSA) requirements, approval processes, and construction administration procedures. As a technical project leader, the Project Architect provides project-team oversight and mentorship, supports firm-wide quality initiatives, and may serve as Architect of Record when designated, signing and sealing work prepared under their direct supervision. The position collaborates with architects, engineers, planners, designers, school districts, educational stakeholders, consultants, and regulatory agencies to deliver learning environments that support educational excellence, community engagement, and student success. The role follows a flexible hybrid work model, with the option to work from home and regular in-office days for collaboration. The office is a professional, open-space environment for collaborative and independent work. Project-site, client-meeting, and construction-meeting travel is required throughout the Bay Area and surrounding regions.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science in Architecture or equivalent professional degree.
- Active California architectural license.
- At least 10 years of professional architectural experience, with a strong focus on technical project delivery.
- Demonstrated experience delivering California PreK–12 educational facilities projects.
- Strong working knowledge of DSA procedures, the California Building Code, the California Accessibility Code, and educational facility design standards.
- Experience collaborating directly with school districts, educational administrators, and public-sector stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Revit.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
- Ability to travel to project sites, client meetings, and construction meetings throughout the Bay Area and surrounding regions.
- Ability to remain seated and work at a computer for extended periods.
- Ability to communicate effectively in written, verbal, and visual formats, in person and through virtual platforms.
- Visual acuity sufficient to review drawings, specifications, reports, and digital documentation.
Nice To Haves
- NCARB certification.
- LEED Accreditation.
- Experience with Revizto.
- Familiarity with UpCodes, RIB SpecLink, and current building code research tools.
- Passion for mentoring, inspiring, and motivating others.
- Commitment to design quality, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- Lead the planning, coordination, and technical execution of medium- to large-scale PreK–12 educational projects.
- Develop and oversee coordinated construction documents aligned with project goals, design intent, DSA requirements, and applicable codes.
- Create and manage the Discipline Work Plan (DWP) in collaboration with the Project Manager.
- Coordinate work across design and engineering disciplines, consultants, and production teams.
- Build collaborative relationships with school districts, educational stakeholders, consultants, and regulatory agencies.
- Lead interactions with Authorities Having Jurisdiction, including DSA and local permitting agencies, through review and approval processes.
- Guide project teams through DSA approval, including document preparation, agency coordination, review responses, and project closeout requirements.
- Ensure project documentation complies with DSA requirements, the California Building Code, the California Accessibility Code, and applicable educational facility standards.
- Participate in client meetings, presentations, stakeholder workshops, and community engagement activities.
- Research building systems, materials, and products to inform design decisions and contribute to firm-wide technical resources.
- Lead construction administration, including RFIs, submittals, field observations, field reports, and contractor coordination.
- Serve as Architect of Record when assigned and sign and seal documents prepared under direct supervision.
- Mentor emerging professionals and contribute to technical excellence, quality assurance, and knowledge sharing across the firm.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
